In the Scriptures, the Christian life is frequently portrayed as a battle or fierce competition. Yet, oddly, Christians often live as though it is peacetime and not wartime, particularly in Seattle. We can all imagine the outcome if one were to mistakenly think that it was peacetime amidst a battle or if a US soldier in Baghdad mistakenly thought he was on vacation. When we engage in a battle or competition there are two primary things we need to be well acquainted with – our enemies and ourselves. What strengths, weaknesses, resources, tactics, goals and desires does the enemy have? Similarly, what are my own strengths, weaknesses, resources, tactics, goals and desires? What am I playing for? What is my motivation? In some Greek wrestling matches the loser had his eyes gouged out. Roman boxers’ often sewed iron and lead into their gloves to maximize the damage left behind after impact. The stakes with war are even greater, requiring careful planning, preparation and strategy. This is the intensity and intentionality which we are called to live with as Christians.

Fight The Good Fight (1 Tim 6:12) Notes (right click > save target as…) to download the complete sermon notes.

If you missed the sermon from Sunday March 9th, 2008, you can listen to it here.

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